Fuel tank access 28TE

[haida]

2005 28TE Flush Deck. Trying to solve an exhaust smoke issue. Fuel quality is the next thing on the suspect list. The fuel tank (plastic) has never been cleaned. There is a service locally that comes to the boat, pumps out and polishes the fuel, then cleans the tank before returning the fuel, but they need two access ports to do a thorough job. The tank has none, and doesn't have enough surface showing to install them - they are about 5" x 7". The only option would be to temporarily remove the entire rear cockpit floor panel that covers the whole tank. Cutting the caulk and removing the corner screws should be easy enough, but the floor panel must weight several hundred pounds. Has anyone tried to remove this panel, and do you have any tips on how to do it?

[rcwhite]

Unless you are plugging filters this seems like overkill. Old fuel can generate a little more smoke in the spring but it will burn:) This can happen mid season sometimes getting dirty, probably #2, from a marina on occasion as well. Add some lubricity supplement and algicide and use a 10 micron Racor to start the season if it is a concern.